2026 Graduate Spotlight: Addison Marr

Taking online classes through Gaston College as a junior at Stuart Cramer High School while playing two high school sports kept Addison Marr busy, but she was motivated to challenge herself both in the classroom and on the field, with the goal of playing collegiate-level softball.  

In the fall of 2024, both of Marr’s interests merged when she joined Gaston’s softball team and became a full-time student at the college.   

“I decided to go to Gaston College to further my academic and softball career,” Marr said. “It was the best opportunity for me to follow my future goals.”    

On the field, Marr played as an infielder and helped Gaston achieve a record-breaking year last season, finishing fourth in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series. This year, she returned to help the Rhinos secure back-to-back Region and District Championships and once again return to the World Series.   

“The best part of Gaston College for me was being able to play softball with the best teammates I could have asked for,” Marr said.   

After contributing to two of the most successful years in Gaston College softball history, Marr graduated in May with an associate in science degree. She now plans to continue her education toward a four-year degree at N.C. State University, majoring in animal science.  

“Maybe I’ll become a veterinarian,” Marr said. “I am still not fully sure of what I want to do exactly, but I know that I want to work with animals in some way.”   

“Gaston College helped me build momentum towards my career goals by providing me with an education that has truly helped me learn and come out of my comfort zone,” Marr said.